v.tr. (besetting; past and past part. beset)
1. attack or harass persistently (beset by worries).
2 surround or hem in (a person etc.).
3 archaic cover round with (beset with pearls).
Phrases and idioms:
besetting sin the sin that especially or most frequently tempts one.
Derivatives:
besetment n.
Etymology: OE besettan f. Gmc